Today I pulled out The Ice Dragon by George R. R. Martin for Book Beginnings on Fridays.
Book Beginnings is a fun meme hosted by Rose City Reader blog. To participate, share the first sentence or so of a novel you are reading and your thoughts about it. When you are finished, add your URL to the Book Beginnings page linked above. Hope to see you there!
The Ice Dragon* by George R. R. Martin and illustrated by Luis Royo
(*Amazon Affiliate link)
Summary: When the fiery dragons swoop in and threaten Adara’s community, she has a secret — in the form of an ice dragon — that could help stave off destruction.
First Sentence:
Adara liked the winter best of all, for when the world grew cold, the ice dragon came.
Discussion:
If you’ve never heard of The Ice Dragon, be prepared that this is not George R.R. Martin’s usual giant tome. Instead it is a wisp of a novella; it is short and sweet.
I have read this before and it really moved me. That’s why I like to pick it up again once in awhile.
My thoughts:
I absolutely love, love the illustrations. They are breathtaking. The way the words flow has a special quality, too.
I also love that the story has flaws. It reminds me of a really old pane of glass, one that is full of bubbles and is so wavy your view through it is a bit distorted. If you expect a piece of glass to be clear and straight and perfect in a modern way, then you will be disappointed. But if you appreciate that not everything needs to be perfect to be beautiful, then this is the book for you.
Here’s a snippet to help you decide.
What do you think? Have you read The Ice Dragon? Are you a George R. R. Martin fan?
Ooh I hadn’t heard of this one before but I adore the illustrations, they remind me of the ones done by John Howe for The Lord of the Rings! And I love your description of the story’s flaws, it’s a very beautiful image. I hope you have a lovely weekend and do drop by my Friday Post if you have the time! – Juli @ A Universe in Words
Thank you for your kind words. I’m off to visit now.
I’ve never read any of GRRM’s work. That beginning is interesting, though. I enjoy dragons of all kinds, including ice! Oh my gosh, though, I think I’m going to have to pick up a copy of this one just for those illustrations! It’s gorgeous. 😮 Thanks for sharing!
Here’s my Friday post.
Is THE ICE DRAGON a children’s book? Or is it more an adult book in a lovely package? My quotes from THE DUTCH HOUSE
Anne,
It is advertised as both. The main character is seven, but I’d say maybe readers aged 10+? Not a picture book.
I love your analogy of this being like an old pane of glass. That alone has me wanting to give this novella a try. And because it includes dragons. I hope you have a great week!
I need to read more Martin stat. Thanks for sharing!